Morphett Vale - East
Statistical Area - sa2

Morphett Vale - East is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Morphett Vale - East's population was around 14,178 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 315 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,863 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,167 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,846 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Morphett Vale - East's 2.3% growth since census positioned it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 54.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted 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, were adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch was expected, with the area expected to grow by 986 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 6.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Morphett Vale - East recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Morphett Vale - East has seen approximately 46 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 230 homes received approval, with an additional 25 approved in FY26 so far. Each year, about 1.7 people have moved into the area for each new dwelling built over these five years.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new homes is $216,000, which is lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $29.6 million, indicating strong commercial growth momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Morphett Vale - East has around 67% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 55th percentile nationally, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints.

The area's new developments consist of 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving its suburban identity with a focus on family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 292 people per approval, Morphett Vale - East maintains low-density development. Future projections estimate an increase of 967 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Morphett Vale - East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact this region: YAS Property Development - Morphett Vale Project, Woodcroft College Campus Expansions, Noarlunga Hospital Expansion, and The Green at Woodcroft. These are the key projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Morphett Vale - East has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Morphett Vale - East has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area, which had an unemployment rate of 6.4% as of June 2021.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of June 2025, 6,938 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.8%, which is 2.4% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. The workforce participation rate in Morphett Vale - East was 57.4%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors.

Notably, retail trade has a higher employment share in the area compared to regional levels, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 3.3% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The predominantly residential nature of the area suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 2.7%, leading to a slight decrease in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% and an increase in unemployment rate during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morphett Vale - East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 indicates Morphett Vale - East's median income among taxpayers is $50,587. The average income was $55,328 in the same period. This is below the national average. Greater Adelaide had a median income of $52,592 and an average of $64,886 during this time. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $57,077 (median) and $62,427 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Morphett Vale - East fall between the 15th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 31.5% of the community (4,466 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this earnings band. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Morphett Vale - East, with only 82.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

Morphett Vale - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Morphett Vale - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.1% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morphett Vale - East was 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.8% and rented ones at 26.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Morphett Vale - East was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households account for 66.0% of all households, consisting of 24.8% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.0%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Morphett Vale - East fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (32.8%).

Educational participation is high at 25.0%, including 9.3% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education. There are 10 schools operating within Morphett Vale - East, educating approximately 4,760 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1001) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 1 secondary, and 4 K-12 schools. It functions as an education hub with 33.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.6, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Morphett Vale - East has 73 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,171 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average being located 212 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 167 trips per day, which equates to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Morphett Vale - East is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Morphett Vale - East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from June 20XX. The prevalence of common health conditions is high among both younger and older residents.

Only approximately 48% (~6,748 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 10.8% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.4%. Conversely, 59.0% report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 62.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 21.7% (3,073 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, mirroring those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Morphett Vale - East records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Morphett Vale-East's cultural diversity aligns with its region, with 78.5% born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 37.6%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (34.3%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (7.1%). German (5.1%) is notably higher than regional average (5.4%), while Hungarian (0.4%) and Polish (0.9%) show slight overrepresentation compared to regional figures.

Morphett Vale - East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Morphett Vale - East has a median age of 42, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 11.3%, higher than Greater Adelaide, while the 15-24 cohort stands at 11.1%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.6% to 7.8%, whereas the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Morphett Vale - East's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to double (from 354 to 709 people), with those aged 65 and above accounting for 62% of the projected population growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.