Sturt (SA)

Sturt lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the estimated population of Sturt (SA) is around 3081 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 294 people (10.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2787 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3015, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population data release by ABS in June 2024, and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3112 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sturt's 10.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.4%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to expand by 589 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 17.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Sturt has seen approximately 27 dwelling approvals annually, with 139 approved between FY-21 and FY-25, and 20 in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling. The average construction value is $335,000.

In FY-26, there have been $2.4 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Sturt has a 35.0% higher construction rate per person over the past five years. Recent construction consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% attached dwellings. This shift from the current pattern of 67.0% houses suggests decreasing developable land availability and changing lifestyle preferences. Sturt has around 113 people per dwelling approval, indicating growth area characteristics.

Population forecasts estimate a gain of 525 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth beyond current forecasts.

Sturt has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect 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 initiatives. The following list details projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment performance in Sturt has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Sturt has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. In Sturt, 1,490 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 57.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Public administration & safety had limited presence at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 7.4%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force grew by 3.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sturt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Sturt's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,164. The average income stood at $54,252 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median and average incomes of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Sturt as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,215 and $61,213 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Sturt all fall between the 14th and 16th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.0% of individuals in Sturt earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, mirroring regional levels where 31.8% occupy this income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Sturt, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Sturt's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 67.0% houses and 33.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 69.2% houses and 30.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sturt was 29.7%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented dwellings at 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sturt was $1,616, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,700. Median weekly rent in Sturt was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. Nationally, Sturt's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 39.3%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 6.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 31.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the South Australian average of 25.7%. This rate also surpasses that of the SA4 region at 28.1%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, held by 21.8% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials – advanced diplomas held by 8.9% and certificates by 20.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in tertiary education, 8.5% in primary education, and 4.4% pursuing secondary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access educational facilities in neighboring areas.

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

The public transport analysis indicates there are 18 active transport stops operating within Sturt. These stops serve a mix of buses, with a total of 28 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 2,110 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 156 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 301 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 117 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sturt is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Sturt faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 48% (~1,493 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 50.9%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 8.8%, while arthritis affects 8.1% of residents in the area. Conversely, 66.8% report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 68.1%. The area has 20.2% (622 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors above average and better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Sturt's cultural diversity is notable, with 35.6% of its population born overseas and 30.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sturt, accounting for 39.1% of people. Hinduism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 5.8% versus 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.0%), Australian (20.3%), and Other (15.3%), which is higher than the regional average of 9.8%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: German at 4.7% in Sturt compared to 5.0% regionally, Indian at 4.1% versus 2.4%, and Serbian at 0.4% compared to 0.3%.

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. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the 25-34 age group is over-represented in Sturt at 18.4%, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.7% to 15.3% of Sturt's population, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 17.2% to 18.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 10.7% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Sturt. Leading these changes, the 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 21%, adding 98 people and reaching a total of 570 from 471. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow modestly at 4%, with an increase of just 13 residents.