Glenelg (SA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Glenelg reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Glenelg's population is around 22,384 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,862 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,522 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,572 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,100 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glenelg's 9.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.4%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 2,860 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Glenelg among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Glenelg has recorded around 137 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 688 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 70 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $432,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $19.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Adelaide, Glenelg maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 41.0% standalone homes and 59.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location has approximately 230 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Future projections show Glenelg adding 2,048 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Glenelg has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Tram Grade Separation at Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton, Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg, Dusk Glenelg, and the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Glenelg places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Glenelg possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.6%, and 5.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 12,388 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. On the other hand, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 4.9% of Glenelg's workforce compared to 7.0% in Greater Adelaide. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1% and labour force increased by 4.6%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Glenelg. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Glenelg's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Glenelg SA2 is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $58,668 while the average income stands at $82,767. This contrasts to Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,831 (median) and $90,050 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 70th percentile ($925 weekly), while household income sits at the 39th percentile. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 27.3% of locals (6,110 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Glenelg displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Glenelg, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 43.2% houses and 56.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Glenelg was well beyond that of Adelaide metro, at 37.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (35.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Adelaide metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Glenelg's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Glenelg features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 58.5% of all households, comprising 20.6% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.5%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Glenelg significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.1% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (18.3%).

A substantial 23.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 6.8% in primary education, 6.3% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 108 active transport stops operating within Glenelg, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 42 individual routes, collectively providing 5,054 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 15.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 722 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

The level of general health in Glenelg is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Glenelg demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (13,609 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 66.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 29.1% of residents aged 65 and over (6,522 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Glenelg was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glenelg is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 12.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 24.7% born overseas. The main religion in Glenelg is Christianity, which makes up 48.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Glenelg are English, comprising 31.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.8% of Glenelg (vs 5.1% regionally), Polish at 0.9% (vs 1.0%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Glenelg hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Glenelg's median age of 48 years stands significantly above Greater Adelaide's 39 as well as well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Glenelg has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (11.0%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (7.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 11.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.2% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, Glenelg is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 100% (932 people), reaching 1,864 from 931. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 75% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.