Glenelg (SA)

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

Glenelg's population is approximately 21,807 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,285 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,522. The growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data in June 2025 and validated new addresses since the Census date. Glenelg's population density is 3,020 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Between 2021 and 2026, Glenelg's growth rate of 6.3% exceeded both its SA3 area (5.7%) and SA4 region, indicating strong population growth led by overseas migration. For projections beyond ABS/Geoscience Australia data coverage until 2032, AreaSearch uses SA State Government Regional/LGA projections adjusted to SA2 levels.

Based on the latest annual ERP numbers, Glenelg's population is expected to increase by approximately 11.4% to reach 23,786 by 2041.

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

Glenelg has recorded approximately 137 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 688 homes. As of FY26113 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand scenario that maintains stable market dynamics. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $432,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $19.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Glenelg's construction rates per person are similar to Greater Adelaide's, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development comprises 41% standalone homes and 59% townhouses or apartments, promoting accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The area has approximately 230 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Glenelg is projected to add 2,488 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Glenelg has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Tram Grade Separation at Marion Road and Cross Road in Plympton, Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg, Dusk Glenelg, and the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project. The following list details 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.

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

Glenelg has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 1.6% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%.

As of that date, 12,388 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 15.4% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among Glenelg residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Glenelg has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 4.9% of Glenelg's workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1% and labour force increased by 4.6%, resulting in a unemployment rate fall of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Glenelg's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023 shows that Glenelg SA2 has a median income of $58,668 and an average income of $82,767. This is higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $64,635 (median) and $91,184 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 70th percentile ($925 weekly), while household income is at the 39th percentile. The majority of locals (27.3%, or 5,953 people) have incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 per week. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. 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

Glenelg's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 43.2% houses and 56.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenelg was 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure for Glenelg was recorded at $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Glenelg's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.5% of all households, consisting of 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%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which 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

Glenelg's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 35.8% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.1% in the SA4 region. This notable educational advantage positions Glenelg favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.4% and certificates for 18.3%. A substantial 23.5% of the population is actively engaged in 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

Glenelg has 108 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 42 different routes, together providing 5,054 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to Glenelg's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 82%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 722 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to Glenelg's 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 shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of Glenelg's total population (13,258 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.3% and 7.7% of residents respectively. 66.2% of Glenelg residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Under-65s in Glenelg have better than average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.1% (6,352 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings for 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's cultural diversity was above average, with 12.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.7% born overseas. The predominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 48.5%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 0.9%, compared to 1.8% in Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.2%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (8.5%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: German was overrepresented at 5.8% (regional average 5.1%), Polish at 0.9% (vs regional 1.0%), and Welsh at 0.7% (vs regional 0.6%).

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

Glenelg's median age is 48 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Glenelg has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (11.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.8%). Between the 2016 Census and 2021 Census, the age group 75-84 grew from 8.4% to 11.0%. Conversely, the age groups 55-64 declined from 14.4% to 13.0% and 45-54 dropped from 12.5% to 11.1%. By 2041, Glenelg's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 104%, reaching 1,870 people from the current 915. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 68% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 5-14 age group is expected to decrease by 12 residents.