Morphett Vale - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Morphett Vale - West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Morphett Vale - West's population is approximately 10,508. This figure represents an increase of 370 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,138. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,488 in June 2024 and the addition of 33 validated new addresses post-Census. The current population density stands at 2,068 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Morphett Vale - West has exhibited steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.1% of overall population gains in 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, above median population growth is projected for Australian statistical areas, with Morphett Vale - West expected to expand by 1,419 persons by 2041, marking a total increase of 13.3% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Morphett Vale - West when compared nationally

Morphett Vale - West has granted around 30 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 152 homes. In FY-26 so far, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.8 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is $206,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $2.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Morphett Vale - West shows approximately 60% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 56th percentile nationally, though building activity has accelerated recently. The area's new developments consist of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. It has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Future projections show Morphett Vale - West adding 1,399 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Woodcroft College Campus Expansions, YAS Property Development - Morphett Vale Project, Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project, and Noarlunga Hospital Expansion. 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.

Employment drivers in Morphett Vale - West are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Morphett Vale - West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employ only 3.9% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 8.9%, with estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year. As of June 2025, 4,735 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is 4.9% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation lags at 54.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment levels increased by 2.1% and labour force grew by 2.7% during the year to June 2025, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Morphett Vale - West, based on its current employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Morphett Vale - West had a median income among taxpayers of $46,837 with an average level of $51,226. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,846 (median) and $57,798 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Morphett Vale - West all fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 32.4% of the community (3,404 individuals), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

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

Morphett Vale - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 86.0% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morphett Vale - West was at 27.4%, with the rest being mortgaged or rented (40.8% and 31.8% respectively). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,274, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Morphett Vale - West was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 66.1% of all households, including 22.2% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Morphett Vale - West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 33.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education. Morphett Vale - West's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 739 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 963) offering balanced educational opportunities. All 3 schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 7.0, below the regional average of 13.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Morphett Vale - West has 59 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 1,292 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in the area is deemed good, with residents on average being located 202 meters from their nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 184 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Morphett Vale - West is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Morphett Vale - West faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~4,875 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 48.6% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 11.9% of residents, while arthritis affects 10.3%.

About 57.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 20.9% (2,197 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to the general population's health profile.

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

Morphett Vale-West had above average cultural diversity, with 10.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 21.6% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Morphett Vale-West, comprising 37.4%. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 1.1%, compared to 0.7% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.9%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (6.6%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 4.7%, Polish remained similar at 0.9%, and Serbian increased to 0.4%.

Morphett Vale - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Morphett Vale - West's median age is 39 years, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Locally, the 25-34 cohort is over-represented at 16.1%, while the 15-24 group is under-represented at 10.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.7% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.8%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Morphett Vale - West's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 163%, adding 306 residents to reach 495. The 65-74 group is expected to grow by 3%, adding 28 residents.