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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Sturt's estimated population is around 3225 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 438 people (15.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2787 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3008 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the 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 3257 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sturt's growth rate of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.3%) and the state, 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 adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, 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 is projected for the Sturt (SA) statistical area (Lv2), with the area expected to expand by 577 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Sturt shows approximately 26 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 133 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved so far in FY-26. This indicates solid demand, supporting property values with new homes averaging $335,000 in construction cost value.

Commercial development approvals totalled $20.0 million in FY-26. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Sturt's construction levels are 29.0% higher per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from current housing patterns of 67.0% houses. With around 99 people per dwelling approval, Sturt exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 369 residents by 2041.

Current construction levels are expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potential excess supply over current forecasts.

Sturt has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting 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 the following list detailing those 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 an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year.

Compared to Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, Sturt's unemployment rate is 0.6% higher, while workforce participation is lower at 57.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, health care & social assistance has a strong presence with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety has limited presence at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 7.4%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, and labour force grew by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% with a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. State-wide, South Australia's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 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's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Sturt is $47,164 and the average income stands at $54,252. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $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, incomes in Sturt fall between the 14th and 16th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 29.0% of the community earns $1,500 - 2,999 annually (935 individuals), which mirrors regional levels at 31.8%. 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

In Sturt, as per the latest Census evaluation, 67.0% of dwellings were houses while 33.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Adelaide metro's 70.8% houses and 29.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sturt stood at 29.7%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (40.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,616, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure in Sturt was recorded at $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. Nationally, Sturt's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 2.4.

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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's rate 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 such qualifications – 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% pursuing tertiary education, 8.5% in primary education, and 4.4% engaged in 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 these stops serve buses. There are 30 distinct routes providing service to these stops.

These routes collectively facilitate 2,112 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 156 meters. On average, there are 301 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,563 people), compared to 51.4% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 8.8% of residents and arthritis impacting 8.1%, while 66.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide.

The area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (654 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 35.6% 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 its population. Hinduism 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%), with the latter being substantially higher than the regional average of 9.8%. Notably, German (4.7%) and Indian (4.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Sturt compared to their regional averages of 5.0% and 2.4%, respectively. Serbian ethnicity is also slightly overrepresented at 0.4% versus the regional average of 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. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Sturt at 18.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age group is under-represented in Sturt at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 13.7% to 15.4%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 17.2% to 18.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 10.7% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Sturt. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 14 people, reaching 568 from 496. However, the 65-74 age group is expected to decrease by 3 residents.