Sturt (SA)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sturt (SA) is around 3,221. This represents an increase of 434 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,787. The current resident population estimate of 3,008 by AreaSearch, based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and validated new addresses, indicates this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 3,253 persons per square kilometer, placing Sturt in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's 15.6% growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA4 region (7.4%) and state averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by an above median rate, with an additional 576 persons projected by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 11.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Sturt has received approximately 26 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 133 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved in FY-26 to date. Each new dwelling is estimated to accommodate about 2 residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $335,000. In FY-26, Sturt has recorded $20.0 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Sturt's construction levels are approximately 29.0% higher per person over the past five years. Recent constructions consist of 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing pattern of 67.0% houses. With around 99 people moving in for each dwelling approved, Sturt exhibits growth area characteristics.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Sturt to gain approximately 371 residents by 2041. Current construction levels are expected to meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially exceeding current population forecasts.

Sturt has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region: Oaklands Green, Flinders Medical Centre Southern Redevelopment Stage 1 (Acute Services Building), Flagstaff Hill Reserve Revegetation Project, and Flagstaff Road Upgrade are key projects, with those listed below being most relevant.

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

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.

Sturt has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Sturt has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of that date, 1,525 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 62.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census responses showed a low 9.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries in Sturt were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area had a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety had limited presence at 5.2%, compared to the regional average of 7.4%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Sturt increased by 4.0% while labour force grew by 3.8%, resulting in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sturt's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Sturt's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Sturt's median income among taxpayers was $47,164 and the average income stood at $54,252, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,314 (median) and $59,026 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Sturt all fall between the 14th and 16th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.0% of the community (934 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

Sturt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Sturt's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.0% houses and 33.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sturt stood at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,616, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Sturt was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Sturt's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

Sturt features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.7% of all households, including 21.0% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.3%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Sturt 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 31.6%, exceeding both the South Australian average of 25.7% and that of the SA4 region at 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (20.0%).

Educational participation is high at 27.4%, with 9.0% in tertiary education, 8.5% in primary education, and 4.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Sturt has 18 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 unique routes that collectively facilitate 2,112 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 156 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 85% of residents, while only 6% opt for the bus. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 301 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 117 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Sturt are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Sturt's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,561 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impacted 8.8% of residents, while arthritis affected 8.1%, with 66.8% declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (650 people), with health outcomes among seniors being above average and ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Sturt was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sturt has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.6% of its population born overseas and 30.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Sturt is Christianity, accounting for 39.1% of the population. Hinduism is overrepresented in Sturt compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 5.8% versus 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.0%), Australian (20.3%), and Other (15.3%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Notably, German (4.7%) and Indian (4.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Sturt compared to their respective regional averages of 5.1% and 2.3%.

Sturt's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Sturt is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is over-represented in Sturt at 18.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average. Conversely, the 55-64 age group is under-represented in Sturt at 9.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.8% of Sturt's population, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.3%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Sturt. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 402 people from 334. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is expected to decrease by 1 resident.