Stirling (ACT)

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Based on evaluation of ABS demographic statistics for the surrounding region, combined with fresh locations verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Stirling (ACT) has a resident count projected at 2,169 in May 2026. This represents a reduction of 22 people (1.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,191 people. This shift is derived from a local population of 2,167, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) along with 2 validated new addresses added after the Census. This population level translates to a density of 1,643 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio observed among national areas analyzed by Districts. Although the suburb of Stirling (ACT) recorded a 1.0% contraction post-census, the broader SA3 territory posted a 1.9% expansion, showing contrasting regional dynamics. Overseas migration was the primary driver of demographic growth in the locality, representing roughly 52.0% of all population increases during recent timeframes.

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Stirling has a highly qualified labor force with strong representation in critical services, showing a jobless rate of 4.4% and an estimated 2.2% job expansion over the previous year, according to Districts calculations of regional data. In March 2026965 local residents were employed, while the jobless rate was 0.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and labor force participation was notably lower (55.0% compared to 70.8% across Australian Capital Territory). Census responses indicated that a modest 14.0% of workers performed duties from home, though this may reflect temporary COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Based on Districts processing of postcode-level ATO statistics from the financial year 2023 release, Stirling taxpayers recorded a median income of $57,733 alongside an average income of $68,682. This sits slightly above the national norm and compares to benchmarks of $72,206 and $85,981 throughout Australian Capital Territory. Adjusted for a 10.44% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $63,760 for the median and $75,852 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual earnings in Stirling in high brackets, ranking between the 78th and 80th percentiles nationally. The income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 31.5% of taxpayers ( individuals), matching regional trends where fall into the same bracket. A significant concentration of high earners ( earning above /week) shows solid financial capacity in the area. Once housing costs are met, residents keep of their earnings, indicating strong discretionary budget limits, and the area's SEIFA socio-economic ranking places it in the th decile.

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At the time of the most recent Census, the distribution of residential structures in Stirling consisted of 82.4% separate houses and 17.5% alternative dwellings (townhouses, flats, and other configurations), whereas Australian Capital Territory recorded 63.3% separate houses and 36.7% alternative housing options. Home ownership rates in Stirling stood significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average at 44.7%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (31.5%) or occupied by tenants (23.8%). The median monthly home loan repayment locally was $2,258, which is above the Australian Capital Territory median of $2,080, while weekly rent was recorded at $460, compared to $450 across the wider territory. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage payments sit well above the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels are also notably higher than the country-wide figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 73.6%, consisting of 33.6% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 10.9% single parents. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 26.4%, which includes single person homes at 24.3% and shared group households at 2.2% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.6 people is slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 2.5.

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The local educational profile is distinguished within the region, with university degree holders representing 40.0% of residents aged 15+, which is higher than the national rate of 30.4% and shows a strong local focus on tertiary education. Bachelor qualifications are the most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (11.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational training accounts for 24.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (14.7%).

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Analysis of public transit options indicates there are 19 operational transit stops in Stirling, consisting of bus services. These locations are linked to 52 separate transit routes, which support 3,843 passenger journeys each week. Transit access is rated highly, with homes located an average of 192 meters from their closest stop. As a residential suburb, most workers commute to outer areas, and private vehicles remain the primary travel mode at 87%, followed by bus transit at 8%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.5 per household, which is higher than the regional average. Around 14.0% of local workers conducted their duties from home, according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect the impact of pandemic lockdowns.

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Stirling has notable health issues based on Districts assessments of mortality figures and chronic disease incidence, with common health concerns present in both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively high at around 54% of the population (~1,178 people). This compares to a rate of 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory.

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Stirling displays a higher degree of cultural variety than most regional property markets, with 26.0% of local residents born outside of Australia and 18.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 49.9% of the population. The most prominent religious variance is found in Hinduism, which makes up 2.5% of the population, compared to 4.8% across Australian Capital Territory.

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Stirling has a median age of 46, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 and sits well above the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 11.7% compared to Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 9.5%. This concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is significantly higher than the national share of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 9.0% to 11.7% of the local population, and the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 9.8% to 11.7%. Conversely, the to age group contracted from to and the to bracket declined from to . Demographic projections suggest Stirling's age structure will change significantly by . Leading this change, the + cohort is expected to increase by ( people), growing from to residents. The trend toward an older population is clear, with those aged + representing the entirety of projected growth, while the to and to groups are forecast to decrease in size.

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Stirling currently has an estimated 99 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 60 children aged 0-2 and 39 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 82 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 183. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).