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's population is estimated at around 11,074 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 909 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 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,283 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 1.0 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb 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, with the suburb expected to expand by 2,078 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 19.4% 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 approximately 24 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 123 homes were approved, with an additional 27 so far in FY-26. This results in about 7.6 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand significantly exceeds the supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at approximately $435,000 on average. In FY-26, there have been around $18.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Stirling has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 55th percentile of areas assessed, though construction activity has recently intensified. This level reflects market maturity and suggests possible development constraints.

New developments consist of approximately 46% standalone homes and 54% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently around 87% houses). This trend may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Stirling has about 282 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developing market. By 2041, population forecasts estimate an increase of approximately 2,148 residents (AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Osborne Park Hospital Women and Newborn Services Expansion, Stephenson Avenue Extension, Stirling Bus Interchange Upgrade, and Lake Monger Primary School Additions and Relocation. The following list details those most relevant.

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 a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.2% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 6,385 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Stirling is similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Census responses indicate that only 11.1% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries among Stirling residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Notably, the area has a high concentration in professional & technical services 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 Stirling residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force increased by 3.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points, according to AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data. In contrast, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment rising marginally during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Stirling's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against Stirling's employment mix.

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

Stirling suburb's income level exceeds national average based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $57,518, with an average of $72,411, compared to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. Estimated current incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $63,051 (median) and $79,377 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ending June 2023. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, household income ranks at the 79th percentile ($2,221 weekly), while personal income is at the 62nd percentile. Income analysis shows that 27.0% of Stirling residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,989 individuals). This aligns with metropolitan region trends where 32.0% fall within this earnings band. 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 suburb's SEIFA income ranking in the 8th decile.

Stirling is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Stirling's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% 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 was $2,348, surpassing Perth metro's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Stirling was $410, higher than Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 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 constitute 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, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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%, surpassing the Western Australia average of 27.9% and the SA4 region's rate of 29%. This reflects the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (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

Stirling has 63 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 routes, facilitating 4,530 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 82%, while train usage stands at 11%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, surpassing the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 647 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Stirling's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Stirling's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Approximately 56% of Stirling's total population (~6,195 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.0% in Greater Perth. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.9%) and mental health issues (5.8%). Around 74.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Stirling has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,369 people), higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings, mirroring the general population's trends.

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 predominant religion in Stirling, comprising 60.9% of the population, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups in Stirling are Italian (17.2%), English (16.9%), and Australian (15.1%).

These figures differ from regional averages: Italian is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.2%, while English and Australian are notably lower, at 28.0% and 21.2% respectively. Some ethnic groups have notable divergences in representation: Croatian is overrepresented at 3.0% (vs 0.8% regionally), Macedonian at 3.6% (vs 0.4%), and Polish at 1.2% (vs 0.7%).

Stirling's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Stirling is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 10.8% of Stirling's population, compared to Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.3% to 7.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 11.3% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Stirling. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 68%, reaching 1,429 people from 852. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Stirling's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.