Glenelg (SA)
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Glenelg's (SA) population was approximately 22,022 as of August 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 1,500 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 20,522. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,600 in June 2024 and an additional 116 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,050 persons per square kilometer, placing Glenelg in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Between 2021 and 2025, Glenelg's growth rate (7.3%) exceeded both its SA4 region (5.2%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader within these regions. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in Glenelg during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, AreaSearch adopts the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, Glenelg is expected to experience population growth just below the national median. By 2041, based on recent population numbers, the area's population is projected to increase by approximately 2,860 persons, representing a total increase of 10.9% over the 17-year period.

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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25688 dwellings were approved. In FY26, up until now, nine dwellings have been approved.

On average, over these five years, 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded. This suggests a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new properties is $631,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Commercial approvals this financial year have totalled $19.7 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Glenelg shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. New building activity consists of 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% attached dwellings, favouring higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Glenelg has approximately 230 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Glenelg will gain 2,410 residents by 2041. Given 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Tram Grade Separation at Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton; Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg; Dusk Glenelg; and 21 Adelphi Terrace Carbon-Neutral Development. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Glenelg ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Glenelg in South Australia has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.8% as of June 2025.

There was an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year. As of June 2025, there are 11,977 residents employed in Glenelg with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's at 61.7%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Glenelg shows strong 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%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, labour force increased by 2.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points in Glenelg. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% with a marginal increase in unemployment. State-level data from Sep-25 shows South Australia's employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year adding 9,370 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, aligning with the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 estimate growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glenelg's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes without considering localized 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 financial year 2022 shows Glenelg having an extremely high national median income of $57,577 and average income of $81,200. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Glenelg are approximately $63,813 (median) and $89,994 (average) as of March 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 71st percentile ($925 weekly), while household income is at the 39th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 27.3% of locals (6,012 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Glenelg displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Glenelg dwellings, 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 52.9% houses and 47.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenelg was at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 35.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, aligning with Adelaide metro's average. The median weekly rent was $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Glenelg's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $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, including 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, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

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

Glenelg's educational attainment is notably higher than broader statistics. As of 2021, 35.8% of Glenelg residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, surpassing South Australia's (SA) average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's 28.1%. This educational advantage is driven by a high proportion of residents with bachelor degrees (23.9%), 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, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (18.3%).

Glenelg's education pursuit is active, with 23.5% of the population engaged in formal education as of 2021, including primary (6.8%), tertiary (6.3%), and secondary (5.9%) levels. Glenelg's five schools had a combined enrollment of 3,886 students in 2021, reflecting above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1093). The educational mix includes four primary schools and one K-12 school.

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

The analysis of public transport in Glenelg found that there were 113 active transport stops operating. These comprised a mix of buses serving the area. There were 39 individual routes providing service to these stops, collectively offering 3,824 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport was rated as excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averaged 546 trips per day, which equated to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Glenelg is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Glenelg faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population of 13,389 people, compared to 58.8% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.3% and 7.7% of residents respectively.

A total of 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Greater Adelaide. Glenelg has 28.5% of residents aged 65 and over (6,280 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Glenelg had higher than average cultural diversity, with 12.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glenelg, comprising 48.5%. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in 'Other', which constituted 0.9%, compared to 0.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.2%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, German (5.8%) was slightly overrepresented compared to regionally (5.5%), while Welsh (0.7%) and Polish (0.9%) showed no significant divergence from regional figures.

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

Glenelg's median age was 48 years in the 2021 Census, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Glenelg had a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (14.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.0%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the proportion of Glenelg's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 8.4% to 10.5%, while the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 decreased from 14.4% to 13.3%. The proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 also dropped, from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, Glenelg's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 108%, reaching 1,864 people from 896. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 74% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.