It is located in South Otago, approximately 5 km from Balclutha,[3] and just north of the Matau Branch of the Clutha River.

Stirling is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 58.9% had no religion, 33.6% were Christian, 1.9% had Māori religious beliefs and 0.9% had other religions.

The percentage of people born overseas was 14.0, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 53.5% had no religion, 36.3% were Christian, 0.6% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.6% were Muslim and 1.9% had other religions.