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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Sturt (SA) is around 3,131, reflecting a 12.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,787 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,076 in June 2025, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 3,162 persons per square kilometer, placing Sturt in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Sturt's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (6.2%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and 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 weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends project above median population growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Sturt expected to expand by 487 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.8% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Sturt has experienced around 26 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 132 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 37 approved so far in FY-26. On average, these new dwellings accommodate about 2.1 new residents per year.

This solid demand supports property values, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost of $335,000. In terms of commercial development, Sturt has recorded around $20.0 million in approvals this financial year. Comparatively, Sturt records somewhat elevated construction levels, 28.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises approximately 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 67.0% houses). This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 101 people per dwelling approval, Sturt shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sturt is forecasted to gain approximately 432 residents by the year 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Sturt has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: 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 the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Sturt has been broadly consistent with national averages

Sturt has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, with estimated employment growth of 6.1% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, there are 1,591 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% above Greater Adelaide's rate.

Workforce participation is lower at 63.8%. According to Census responses, only 9.7% work from home. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Sturt specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence at 5.2%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 6.1% while labour force grew by 5.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2%, labour force grow by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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.

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

The suburb of Sturt has an income level below the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Sturt is $47,164, with an average income of $54,252. In comparison, Greater Adelaide's median and average incomes are $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated current figures as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,961 (median) and $59,769 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Sturt fall between the 14th and 16th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.0% of the community (907 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 31.8% occupy this 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

The dwelling structure in Sturt, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.0% houses and 33.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sturt was at 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented dwellings at 40.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sturt was $1,616, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent in Sturt was $295, lower than Adelaide metro's $320. 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 region average of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 8.9% while certificates make up 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.

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

Sturt has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,112 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 156 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards from Sturt. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 85% of residents, while only 6% use buses. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

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, equating 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 are higher than average, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at 48% of Sturt's total population (~1,517 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.8% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Sturt has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (654 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sturt, making up 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 in Sturt are English (25.0%), Australian (20.3%), and Other (15.3%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7%. There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, with German at 4.7% compared to 5.1% regionally, Indian at 4.1% versus 2.3%, and Serbian at 0.4% versus 0.4%.

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

Sturt's median age is 38, closely aligning with Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Sturt has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 17.3% locally, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.8% of Sturt's population, while the 15-24 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Sturt's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to expand by 78 people (24%), growing from 328 to 407 individuals. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 2%, adding 5 people.